Ireland

Man (55) questioned over starting gorse fires in North

Firefighters have battled about 500 fires in Northern Ireland in a week

A gorse fire in Gougane Barra valley, Co Cork, which has burned since Saturday evening, covering some 4km at its peak. File photograph: Neil Lucey/PA Wire

Tue May 9 2017 - 12:05

A man has been arrested by police investigating gorse fires in the North.

A PSNI spokesman said the 55-year-old was detained on Monday afternoon and questioned about fires in the Mullaghfad area of Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone.

He has since been released on police bail.

Firefighters in Northern Ireland have battled more than 500 gorse fires in one week - with more than 90 per cent of them started deliberately. Those starting the blazes have been given a stark warning that they are putting lives at risk.

READ MORE

A long period of unbroken sunshine has made for tinder dry conditions across the countryside.

Since last Monday, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has attended 511 gorse fires.

Of those, 466 were started deliberately.

The majority of the incidents have been in the south and west of the region. Crews at Downpatrick fire station in Co Down have been called out to 46 separate gorse fires in a week.

NIFRS Area Commander Maurice Rafferty said: "We are appealing to everyone within the community to remain vigilant when in the countryside.

“If you see a fire, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Don’t attempt to tackle fires and leave the area as soon as possible.

“Deliberate fire setting has major consequences - it ties up our vital resources from other more serious incidents and potentially puts people and property at risk.

“These fires can easily spread and even a slight change in wind direction can pose a serious risk to life, property and the environment.

“If anyone has any information in relation to fire setting, we would urge them to contact the PSNI.

“I would like to thank our crews who have worked under extremely hazardous conditions and intense heat to bring the fires under control.”

PA

LATEST STORIES